Fairfax Little League

History of the League The Fairfax Little League was born in 1955 and incorporated in March 1956. Some League milestones include: The present Chilcott Stadium was constructed in 1956, the Thaiss (Pickett Road) fields were first leased in the sixth season of the League in 1959, and Burke field was first used by the League in 1991; Three separate leagues (American, Dominion, and National) were franchised in 1968; and 1974 marked the first year a girl played in Fairfax Little League. Fairfax Little League has grown from a small parent-led initiative into a robust community institution—marked by facility development, inclusive programs (including girls, Tee Ball, and Challenger), district and state tournament successes, and strong fundraising efforts. The League's ability to adapt—through restructuring, facility updates, and pandemic resilience—illustrates a steadfast commitment to youth baseball and softball across seven decades in Fairfax, Virginia. Our history continues to be written and re-written; we need help filling in the gaps - if you have information about Fairfax Little League history, please contact our President at [email protected] Early Years: Founding & First Seasons (1955–1959) Fairfax Little League sprouted from a May 15, 1955, meeting at Hugh Tankersley’s home, with guidance from Falls Church Little League. Cecil Irons recorded 250 boys in its inaugural season, raising $37 and gaining early sponsors like Walker & King Realtors and Warren Construction. The first games featured teams such as the ACES vs. RAIDERS and LITTLE BUCS vs. GREEN HORNETS. In March 1956, the league formally incorporated. Under President Dewitt Hartell, it launched four Major, four Minor, and two Farm teams. Legion Stadium was constructed on a five‑year lease with American Legion Post #177, backed by the National Bank of Fairfax as a sponsor. The 1956–57 season saw 438 players and six teams each at Majors, Minors, and Farms, expanded onto Sam Eaton’s land at Route 123 & Lee Highway. By 1958, enrollment hit 500, with expanded team structures and a budget of $7,300. 1959 brought formalization: the first by‑laws, dual Fairfax Eastern and Western leagues, and a lease at Pickett Road’s Thaiss fields. Expansion & Infrastructure (1960–1969) The early 1960s saw steady growth and major infrastructure moves. In 1960, the league bought land on Braddock Road. By 1962, four new Pickett Road fields were open, and in 1963 a boundary agreement with Vienna Little League was struck. Field upgrades continued through 1964. By the mid‑1960s, membership swelled to nearly 1,200 by 1968, forming three leagues—American, Dominion, National. Parking and a sixth Pickett field were added, and new fields on Colchester Road were acquired. Expansion led to improved facilities and governance, including a dedicated District Administrator. In 1969, over 1,300 youth played on 94 teams across 15 seasons. That year the Thaiss complex was dedicated to Fred Thaiss’s memory. The Fairfax American team r